medco stock dropped 2% on light volume. it is less than $1 away from a new 52-week low. hanging over the broad market, a tough outlook for housing. we mentioned the drop in the homebuilders' confidence survey earlier. that was after a cautious outlook from lowe's. the home improvement retailer had profits a penny less than anticipated, and sales were lighter than expected. appliance sales were a bright spot, showing a double digit increase thanks to federal rebate programs. the stock took the earnings and sales disappointments very well, considering shares finished fractionally stronger, and on twice its usual volume. the firm bases its cautious outlook on questions regarding the job market. home depot is next. its earnings are due tomorrow. the stock has been bouncing between $27 and $29 per share since june. the outlook and its competition with lowe's will be two areas of focus for investors. one of the biggest reads on the u.s. consumer also is due tomorrow. wal-mart's second-quarter earnings are scheduled before the opening bell. wal-mart has seen four straight quart